Redion Holiday Barometer 2026: Singapore Sets a Global Benchmark for the Most Insured Travelers as Expectations for Travel Support Rise
SINGAPORE, August 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore has emerged as the world’s most mature travel protection market, with 86% of travelers covered by travel insurance when they travel, the highest rate recorded globally according to the latest Holiday Barometer 2026 report by Redion (formerly Europ Assistance) and Ipsos. Alongside strong risk awareness among Singaporeans, the findings highlight growing expectations for comprehensive protection for a broader scope of travel risks, with real-time assistance and seamless digital support increasingly viewed as essential elements of the travel journey. As one of the region's most active outbound travel markets with frequent, high-spending travelers and digitally engaged consumers, Singapore offers a glimpse into how traveler expectations are evolving amid growing awareness of global risks. The increasing demand for reassurance through travel protection and assistance is posing a challenge for insurers and travel providers beyond driving insurance penetration towards delivering broader protection, stronger assistance capabilities and more integrated travel solutions that support travelers throughout their journeys. Travel protection has become a standard expectation Singapore ranks highest globally for travel insurance and protection coverage, with 86% of travelers covered when traveling and more than half (51%) intending to continue subscribing to travel insurance in the future. This market maturity is reflected in the types of risks Singaporeans choose to protect against, including loss of personal belongings, transportation accidents and health-related incidents, suggesting that travelers increasingly value comprehensive protection that extends beyond basic policy coverage. Singaporeans also remain among the world’s highest-spending travelers, with an average leisure holiday budget of USD 2,818. Yet affordability and company reputation remain important purchasing considerations when selecting travel protection, indicating that consumers are willing to invest in coverage when it offers clear value, trusted service and meaningful benefits. Virginie Babinet, CEO Travel Insurance & Assistance – Redion Group, said, "Building on the record levels seen last year, the desire to travel remains strong and undiminished, despite tougher trade-offs and the cost of living remaining a top global concern. What is changing, however, is the travel landscape itself. Security considerations are weighing more heavily on destination choices, with decisions increasingly shaped by risk considerations. At the same time, artificial intelligence is now a genuine planning tool for a growing number of travelers worldwide, as demonstrated by the distinct jump in numbers, particularly in emerging and high growth markets." Hassen Bennour, CEO of Redion Asia Pacific, said, “Singapore continues to set the pace for travel protection in the region, with 86% of travelers already covered, among the highest levels in the world. What is changing, however, is what travelers now expect this protection to deliver. Beyond coverage, Singaporeans want broader multi-risk protection, embedded assistance and reassurance that travels with them across every trip. At the same time, artificial intelligence is helping travelers plan faster, but confidence in the final decision still rests with human expertise. For insurers and industry partners, this is where the next opportunity lies: pairing digital speed with trusted human guidance to meet the standards of one of the most demanding travel markets globally." AI and digital tools help Singaporeans travel smarter, but human control still leads Singapore's strong digital adoption is also reshaping how travellers research, plan and manage their journeys. Nearly half (45%) of Singaporeans have used AI in holiday planning or booking, primarily to research destinations, compare travel options and build itineraries. A similar proportion (48%) would consider allowing AI to make bookings on their behalf, provided they retain the ability to review and approve decisions before purchase. The same trend is emerging in travel insurance. While the use of AI to compare travel insurance products remains relatively limited today, many travelers (47%) expect to rely on it more in the future because of the convenience and speed it offers. Interest is also growing in digital services that complement insurance policies, including emergency assistance, 24/7 customer support, real-time alerts, mobile access and digital claims services. The implication is evident that AI is preferred as a tool in the planning process, but decision-making and the trust that comes with it still needs a human checkpoint built into the journey. Rather than replacing human involvement, the findings suggest that travelers want digital convenience supported by visible human oversight, combining the speed of technology with the confidence of expert guidance. Frequent outbound and experience-driven travelers expect reassurance throughout the journey Singaporeans remain among the region’s most active travelers. More than 9 in 10 take at least one leisure trip annually, while the majority (84%) intend to travel internationally, despite persisting geopolitical uncertainty. Travel is increasingly experience-driven, with nearly 7 in 10 preferring city destinations, citing relaxation, exploration and local food and cultural discovery among their key motivations. Combined with high travel spending, these behaviors reflect a market that increasingly prioritizes quality experiences alongside value. As travellers invest more in their trips, expectations around protection and support naturally rise. The research found that concerns around natural disasters, epidemic outbreaks, terrorism and travel disruptions continue to influence travel decisions. Rather than discouraging travel, these concerns are driving demand for greater reassurance, flexibility and support before, during and after each journey. This creates opportunities for insurers and travel providers to embed safety, assistance and peace of mind into the overall customer journey as enablers of worry-free travel experiences. With most travelers taking their longest trips during the year-end period, particularly in November and December, the final quarter remains a critical window for travel providers to engage consumers through premium offerings, bundled experiences and integrated protection solutions. As expectations around travel continue to evolve, Singapore's world-leading level of protection coverage underscores a broader shift in how travellers view insurance and assistance. Increasingly, travellers are seeking protection that delivers peace of mind throughout the entire journey, supported by digital convenience, responsive assistance and trusted expertise whenever they need it. About Redion (formerly Europ Assistance) Redion is a world leader in assistance, travel insurance and employee benefits. The name, revealed in 2026, reflects the full maturity of the global Care platform that has been operating under Generali Care, bringing together Europ Assistance and Generali Employee Benefits (GEB). Operating in more than 190 countries, with over 12,000 employees and €5.8 billion in annual business volume, Redion delivers services spanning travel insurance, emergency and medical assistance, employee protection (life, disability, accident, medical), health and mobility solutions, as well as global B2B2C and embedded insurance programmes. Within its employee benefits offering, Redion builds on a global network of 224 active partners to provide multinational clients with protection, health, pension and wellbeing solutions across markets, combining global scale, local expertise and deep technical capabilities. For media enquiries, please contact: Benedict Gerald Rozario, Marketing & Communication, Redion East Asia M: +60-12 979 7238 E: benedict.rozario@eastasia.redion.com Nadzwan Tahir, Senior Executive Narro Communications M: +60-18 399 1646 E: nadzwan@narrocomms.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com